new grad

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:banghead:Hi all, I just passed my boards! I am now an RN with an AD. I have a real interest in critical care medicine but I'm being told that before I venture into something that demanding, I should get my feet wet and "pay my dues" as a med/surg nurse...any thoughts from experienced nurses?

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Absolutely!...do a year....just set your mind to it and get that experience.....It teaches time management skills...and you will appreciate that when going to ICU....To me--it's a win-win!

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ty blessed...my gut tells me to do the same and i'm a firm believer im going with ur gut

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It's a debate among a lot of nurses on whether a year of med-surg is necessary. If you want to go straight to ICU, go ahead - you're the one that has to live with the decision.

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Specializes in Medical ICU.

I work in an ICU where several new nurses on the floor are new grads. The hospital provides an intense orientation/internship program that prepares (should prepare) the new nurse for an ICU practice. I have seen some new grads not do well and transfer to the floor. I have also seen some nurses that have been med/surge nurses not do well and can not adapt to the ICU environment. There is a nurse on the floor that had been in med/surge for 12 years and decided to move to the ICU. She is not enjoying it at all! So, I would say, go for it! Either you will like it and stay in it, or not. Ask the nurse manager if you can shadow for a shift or two. That will give you an idea of the environment and working culture. Good luck with either choice.

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma Burn ICU, Oncology.

i graduated in may, passed boards in may, and started working in the surgical trauma burn ICU at a level 1 trauma center in july. i LOVE it and dont regret it one bit and have absolutely NO regrets WHAT SO EVER for not getting "floor experience." screw that. it's hard work but the people i work with are brilliant and want me to do good..plus i take time on my own to study...the manager also requires all new grads to get your CCRN and they pay for it and pay us for 4 hours/week to study (:

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thank you all for your input. now i just need to get someone to give me a break!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I suggest you get a job in whatever you can get! I wanted L&D but I got med/surg. But I am very happy because I want money :)

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